Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain Ginés Belzunces, a local from Huércal-Overa is set to make history by becoming the first person from the town to compete in the legendary Dakar Rally in 2025 Known as one of the toughest races in the world After taking part in the 2022 Rallye du Maroc he’s been training hard to get even better and make sure he’s fully prepared for his Dakar debut His dedication and passion for motorsport have made him a local inspiration The Town Hall of Huércal-Overa is cheering him on wishing him the best of luck on this exciting adventure They’re also encouraging everyone in town to follow along and support Ginés as he tackles each stage of the race Ginés is all set to take on this incredible challenge and the whole town is excited to see him race in one of the most famous events in the world Read more Almeria news, articles and events here Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish the town of Huércal-Overa was transformed into a vibrant window to the past as locals and visitors alike gathered to experience the enchantment of the Baroque Market the event captured the imagination of young and old One of the standout moments of the weekend was the historical re-enactment of El Villazgo by the local theatre group Pico Esquina (Corner Peak) Their portrayal of this pivotal chapter in Huércal-Overa’s past drew a large and appreciative crowd Through well-crafted dialogue and period detail the actors brought to life the town’s struggle and triumph in obtaining its independence Their passion and commitment not only entertained but offered a poignant reminder of the town’s resilience and identity The market itself was a delight for the senses We tried our hand at traditional blacksmithing at the forge stall under the expert guidance of José Antonio Costa The process of crafting a Viking-style knife from glowing iron was a lesson in both patience and precision It was a striking reminder of the manual skill once required for everyday tools the scent of spices and roasted meats mingled with the sweetness of hand-poured honey Local artisans offered everything from hand-woven textiles to leather goods each crafted with care and steeped in tradition We picked up a selection of exceptional cheeses and jars of local honey—both rich in flavour and reflective of the region’s deep agricultural roots visitors were treated to a full programme of performances and workshops Itinerant theatre groups in costume moved through the streets Falconry displays in the Plaza del Cura Valera brought medieval spectacle to life and turban tying encouraged hands-on participation while live Arab dance performances provided rhythm and energy throughout the day and into the evening What made the event truly special was the sense of local pride that radiated from both participants and attendees The market was not just an occasion to celebrate history Read more Costa de Almeria news, articles, and events here. Prefer to read your local news all in one place? Find all our online weekly newspapers here Cabañarte (Art Cabin) is a creative centre founded by Miguel Angel Vecchione and his wife Estela Daniela Nava Originally conceived in 2020 and opened to the public in 2022 as a School-Workshop of Painting and Creativity, in Huercal-Overa It provides a warm and inviting space where people of all ages and abilities can explore their artistic talents in a relaxed environment The philosophy at Cabañarte is to harness the transformative power of art for emotional well-being and personal growth The founders believe that creativity is accessible to everyone they offer continuous courses that focus on acrylic painting on canvas Separate classes for children and adults ensure a tailored and effective learning experience such as multi-sensorial neon painting workshops art therapy sessions and team-building activities The centre proudly provides bilingual classes in Spanish and English attracting a diverse mix of local and international participants Cabañarte is expanding its creative offerings A tour of innovative activities is planned for March and a new collaboration with Sentieri Popolari (Popular Paths) promises to bring further exciting opportunities to the community Read more Costa de Almería news, articles, and events here. in a rural environment with strong roots in agriculture the urban fabric of the town has blurred the agricultural footprint of the territory revealing a concentric arrangement around these collective workspaces The plot is an old terrace of orange trees swallowed up by urban growth with dividing walls of different heights and materials and no views The main concern of the young owners was to have an outside space with total privacy so it was decided to reverse the situation until now common in the rest of the town with houses aligned and open to the streets The concept of ‘era’ typical of the place is reinterpreted here and conditions the internal circulation of the house building a circular route that divides the program into two halves the central free space allows alternative transverse routes that guarantee a natural cross ventilation the need for privacy is achieved with a false frontage made with ceramic pieces which sifts the relationship with the street and acts as a passive protection for the south facade Arquitectos ArchitectsPalera arquitectos (Sergio J Colaboradores CollaboratorsDavid Rodríguez García (arquitecto técnico quantity surveyor) there arent any match using your search terms Huércal-Overa has officially ushered in the holiday season with a magical start The town’s Christmas celebrations began with the lighting of its stunning holiday decorations marking the beginning of a festive time filled with joy The festive season kicked off with a special performance by the students of the local music school The students entertained the crowd with the lively rhythms of Cajón Flamenco filling the air with energy and excitement Their performance set the tone for what promises to be a memorable Christmas in Huércal-Overa One of the highlights of the holiday season is the transformation of the Parque Municipal Adolfo Suárez into the enchanting ‘Fábrica de la Ilusión’ (Factory of Illusion) The park has been turned into a fairy tale wonderland where visitors can wander among iconic characters like Pinocchio There’s even a Hansel and Gretel chocolate house that adds to the park’s charm Over 19,000 square metres of the park have been transformed with the help of local schools and Fine Arts students bringing these beloved characters and scenes to life The collaboration between the community and the town has resulted in a captivating display that delights both young and old While the park is a popular holiday attraction it’s also a beloved spot for families throughout the year and peaceful spaces where older visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors the park’s festive transformation has drawn even larger crowds making it a must-visit location for holiday fun the Christmas fair at Paseo de La Alameda is another highlight of the season It’s the perfect spot to enjoy festive treats Mayor Domingo Fernández officially welcomed the start of Christmas in Huércal-Overa inviting everyone to join in the celebrations He emphasised the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate this special time of year there’s no shortage of activities that bring the town together in festive spirit Whether you’re visiting the ‘Fábrica de la Ilusión’ or strolling through the Christmas fair there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season in Huércal-Overa An outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease virus (VND) has been detected on a chicken farm in Huércal-Overa in Almeria province the Junta de Andalucía's Ministry of Agriculture Fishing and Sustainable Development has confirmed which had approximately 10,000 six-week-old chicks on 24 June and a number of them died in the following days The rest have all been slaughtered and supplies of food and other items which may facilitate the spread of the virus have been destroyed at an authorised facility Andalucía's Director of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation said that the virus can cause a deadly infection in many kinds of birds only in “extremely rare” cases it can lead to mild flu-like symptoms and conjunctivitis in humans “There is no problem” about eating chicken meat It is nothing to do with food," he insisted He explained that the virus is completely deactivated when it is subjected to heat and said there is absolutely no cause for alarm The matter is now in the hands of the animal health authorities because if the disease is not controlled it can spread and birds can die Those who have been in contact with the sick birds in Almeria will be closely monitored in case any symptoms arise even though it has been stressed this is extremely rare Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados nothing was known about the whereabouts of a young man from Huercal Miguel Martinez was reported missing twelve days ago after his mother had not heard anything from or about the young man his family took to social media to make an appeal and ask for the public’s collaboration to find him Miguel’s mother asked everyone to “Please spread the photo of my son Hours after his family posted the image of him on social media explaining his disappearance Miguel called his brother to tell him that he was fine now says she and her family are calmer after knowing that “nothing bad” has happened to her son After nine days of knowing nothing and not hearing anything before eventually reporting it to the Guardia Civil it ended as just a scare and nothing more serious “For personal reasons he does not want to return but at least we know that he is alive and well” Thanks to a brand new hospitality training programme 35 unemployed residents of Huercal-Overa have started learning the skills needed to work as waiters and in the kitchen giving them an excellent opportunity to secure future employment The programme has come to fruition as a result of a collaboration between the Town Council and Innova Hosteleria y Turismo It is scheduled to run until April 22 and has been structured to accommodate the participants’ needs with sessions offered in the morning and afternoon the Mayor recently visited the students and proffered words of encouragement and support Offering a complete educational experience the training undertaken by the students includes all aspects of hospitality participants will come away with new skills including kitchen techniques the Mayor said: “This initiative represents a great opportunity for our residents The hospitality industry is a key sector in our economy and we must equip our unemployed with the necessary skills to access quality employment.” Further demonstrating its commitment to professional training Huercal-Overa Town Council has been awarded five additional Training and Employment Programmes These new courses cover Auxiliary Operations of Administration and General Services Professional Foreign Language for Administrative Management in client relations Find more local news, and activities for Almeria. Prefer to read your local news in one place?  Check out our online newspapers for your weekly local news fix. This event commemorates the Exencion de Villazgo (Exemption from Villazgo) a historic moment that marked the town’s transition to self-governance The three-day celebration will immerse visitors in the Baroque period with an authentic market filled with artisans Attendees can expect a variety of cultural activities and historical recreations that transport them back in time Organised by the Ayuntamiento de Huercal-Overa (Huercal-Overa Town Hal) in collaboration with the Diputacion de Almeria (Almeria Provincial Council) the event aims to highlight the town’s historical significance while providing a unique experience for residents and visitors alike This festival is an opportunity to engage with history and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere full of music or simply looking for an immersive cultural experience Huercal-Overa promises an unforgettable journey into the past The fair in Huércal-Overa brings together locals and visitors for festive days and nights of music creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration with live performances from the group Los Vinilos whose classic hits had people singing along and dancing and local DJs kept the energy high throughout the afternoon The mix of live music and DJ sets provided a perfect balance catering to all musical tastes and ensuring that the party atmosphere never faded there were games and craft workshops for children at the sports pavilion making sure that even the youngest attendees had a fantastic time Families appreciated the variety of activities that made the fair enjoyable for all ages As the day progressed, the excitement built up to Rasel’s eagerly awaited evening performance The spirit of the fair was captured in the joy and community atmosphere where people from all walks of life came together to celebrate The day ended with a grand fireworks display lighting up the night sky and closing the festivities with a spectacular finale The fair (la feria de Huércal-Overa) began on the 16th and will continue until the 22nd of October so there’s still time to get your family and friends together and join in the fun Find more Euro Weekly News. An agricultural town with around 19,000 inhabitants Huercal-Overa in Almeria is a lively area with plenty of things to do and see proximity to the coast and outdoor areas for children to explore Huercal-Overa offers lots for those wanting to move to Spain Huercal-Overa has a fabulous community feel and is perfect for families bringing up young children with lots of community facilities including pools as well as great connections to the surrounding areas To make moving to Huercal-Overa a bit easier the Euro Weekly News has put together this handy guide to everything you need to know before making your decision Hueval-Overa is a market town that sits along the side of the Almanzora River in the province of Almeria The town is a merging of two medieval settlements – Huercal and Overa – and is surrounded by a thriving agricultural industry The nearest airport to Huercal-Overa is Almeria (LEI) Airport which is 44 miles away Other nearby airports include Alicante (ALC) You can take a bus from Alicante (ALC) to Huercal-Overa via Murcia in around three hours and 40 minutes and renting a car or having your own vehicle will make this journey even easier Huercal-Overa enjoys a moderate and semi-arid climate with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine and significantly low rainfall at an average of only 288mm per year with August being the hottest month with an average of 25.2°C the temperature typically varies from 4°C to 32°C and is rarely below 1°C or above 35°C making it a wonderfully mild climate for most of the year Moving to a new country or location is exciting but you will also need to be familiar with the health services in the area Salas Garcia Opticos y Audiometria  are a multidisciplinary team of experts in audiology and optics constantly adapting to new trends and training to keep up with the latest market developments They have a huge variety of frames from the most prestigious brands including Ray Ban Salas Garcia Opticos y Audiometria creators Loly and Mari are passionate about helping people to experience everything life has to offer through the gift of sound and vision offering a wide variety of visual and audio solutions The professional and caring team will accompany you throughout the process of adapting to the best solution for you so that you can live life to the fullest Website: Click here with 24-hour emergency service and modern facilities This is a public hospital and is part of the Public Network of Andalucian Health Service (SAS) a health agency dependent on the Health Department of the Junta de Andalucia Huercal-Overa has a public health centre that serves those in the Spanish health system This health centre is part of the Junta de Andalucia Clinica Microdental provides extensive oral care services and treats international patients as well as Spanish nationals Prices differ depending on the type of property the location within Huercal-Overa and how well-maintained the property is For a two-bedroom apartment in Huercal-Overa and a two-bedroom townhouse will cost from around €90,000 A two-bedroom villa will cost from around €170,000 and a three-bedroom villa will sell for around €225,000 The majority of expats move to Spain for the quality of life wonderful mild weather and a more outdoor lifestyle – and you will definitely find this in Huercal-Overa What you will spend each month will depend on your lifestyle choices however a single person could live very comfortably on €1,200 A couple can live for around €2,000 a month Eating out at restaurants here is inexpensive as are childcare sports and leisure club memberships and activities Fresh fruit and produce can be found at the weekly market at a much lower cost than in large supermarkets and prices tend to be lower than on the busy Costas You will find plenty of activities related to history and nature that will allow you to enjoy the environment its beauty and some incredible views – not to mention a theatre and cinema for a great evening with family and friends Located in the centre of the town in Plaza de la Constitucion the church was completed in 1739 due to the increase in population and residents feeling the need for a church to be built in Huercal-Overa During Easter the church acts as a meeting point and many people visit the church to admire its beauty both inside and outside also known as the ‘park of ducks’ is a wonderful place to go for a walk and watch many species of animals This park is the ideal area to spend time with children and offers a playground area as well as a kiosk bar where you can relax and simply sit and cool off The park also has a picnic area where you can sit and enjoy the scenery with your sandwich or soft drink Just a 25-minute drive from Huercal-Overa is Lunar Cable Park a new and exciting state-of-the-art adventure and water sports complex The park offers so many great activities – try a wakeboarding lesson have fun on the inflatables or enjoy a drink at the beach bar while the kids tire themselves out You can also take some of the trails that pass through the park on foot board or bike – amazing days out that the family will never get bored of The Huercal-Overa market is held every Monday on the main road leading from the football ground past the schools park and shops all the way to the Cinema roundabout it is moved to the streets all around the old church square in the centre of town The market is a great place to meet and speak to locals and shop the many clothes and homeware stalls A great way to get involved in Spanish culture is to get involved in the many celebrations throughout the year one of the latest in Andalucia that is celebrated in October Enjoy the beautiful areas whilst experiencing horseback riding for a relaxed and fun activity for all of the family. At Sol de Taberno you will have a qualified instructor who will teach you from the beginning both how to ride and how to control the animal when you go out in the open air accompanied by the group Sol de Taberna also has a farm and offers other activities such as pottery There are many beaches within close proximity to Huercal-Overa which is around 30 minutes drive from the coast The most notable beaches to explore include Playa de Puerto del Rey Calarreona beach and Playa de los Cocedores Walking is one of the best ways to explore the area surrounding the town of Huercal-Overa with routes such as Paraje Alto de la Rabita Via Verde and Sendero Huercal La Vieja to explore you can try a different walk each week and find paths that are suited to all levels Parapente Huercal-Overa is a company dedicated to quite literally enjoying the open air seeing the landscape with a bird’s-eye view Parapente Huercal-Overa offers beginner and advanced courses The Cabo de Gata is located in the south-eastern end of the province of Almeria and its coastline is marked by cliffs The natural park features a long stretch of beach you will have a chance to see wild flamingos with lots of opportunities to try some of the best authentic Spanish cuisine in the area Cerveceria Las Cañas is well-known for having a great atmosphere main meals and a huge selection of beers to enjoy this cerveceria has become a local for many who have moved to Huercal-Overa where you can also enjoy live music and events From typical Spanish tapas to colourful salads Pinienta Rosa serves great food and a wide variety of drinks in a warm and welcoming atmosphere This bright and contemporary bar-restaurant is the perfect example of Andalucian cuisine that some describe as a “culinary experience” in Huercal-Overa Opening hours: 8:30am until 11:30pm on weekdays Labios Plaza has some of the best tapas in the area and has been popular with locals for over 30 years With a wide range of small plates and dishes and an incredible variety of wines it’s no surprise Labios Plaza is still a favourite for many Bar Casa Paco serves quality homemade dishes including authentic migas Bar Casa Paco serves up lots of traditional tapas dishes to try and a great selection of beers Or perhaps you are looking for a perfectly cooked steak and chips La Artesa Pizzeria-Restaurante has got you covered with their wide variety of pizzas the restaurant prides itself on using fresh produce from the area as well as serving quality wines with their dishes Opening hours: 12pm until 4pm and 7pm until 11pm If you happen to be around Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Iglesia Parroquial we recommend that you visit this bar for its great selection of Spanish dishes and wide selection of drinks The cool ambience and outdoor seating are a great place to enjoy some authentic tapas or simply sip on a cafe con leche while you watch the world go by This authentic Spanish restaurant is known for its friendly staff and attention to detail you will find something for all tastes at Bar Restaurante Atalya great customer service and its ‘slices to go’ offering you can’t leave Nomadas without also trying some of their amazing ice creams The aim of this restaurant is to make you feel right at home while you enjoy some amazing cuisine Try Restaurante Crisbe’s fresh fish and seafood succulent meats and first-class selection of wines 11am until 6pm and 8:30pm until 11pm on Fridays the menu is changed every six weeks and the menu is created with seasonal produce using local products They also hold themed evenings including Indian Thai and Mexican cuisine nights and have an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining under the Mediterranean sun Opening hours: 12:30pm until 4pm and 7pm until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays If you are moving to Huercal-Overa with children you will want to know the best schools in the area We have put together a list of some of the most prestigious schools to make your search a bit easier There are several schools in Huercal-Overa Nursery schools include Escuela Infanti Chuchuwa Escuela Infantil Burbujas and Escuela Infantil el Patio Primary Schools in Huercal-Overa include Colegio Publico Virgen del Rio The secondary schools in Huercal-Overa include IES Albujaira Moving somewhere new is great but it’s important to know the contact information for any emergencies That’s why we have included information on important contacts when moving to Huercal-Overa For more about moving to Spain, look at the Euro Weekly News guide to moving to the Costa Blanca Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories. Remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram From March 1 to March 3 residents and visitors to Huercal Overa will be able to enjoy a Baroque Market and Historical Recreation of the Villazgo Exemption 1668 that Huercal Overa was formally  separated from Lorca and became a town in its own right The intention is to not only celebrate this important stage in the development of the municipality but also to give people an idea of how the town might have looked at that time A group of re-enactors will spend the three days parading through the town  carrying out activities from the period and answering questions about life in the mid-17th century The main activity of the historical recreation will be the representation of the delivery of the deeds to the Warden of the new town with an explanation of how the emancipation from Lorca was achieved after much effort The market which opens at 5pm on March 1 will also feature a number of special events including and a fencing exhibition as well as a Gymkhana for children aged 10 and above achieved her dream of appearing on La Voz Kids With her heart full of excitement and her voice ready she bravely stepped onto the stage for the blind auditions Singing “How to Look at You” by Sebastián Yatra hoping one of the four coaches would turn their chair around spinning his chair around to choose Triana for his team It was a thrilling and unexpected moment for Triana Tears of joy streamed down Triana’s face as she realized her dream was coming true From the streets of Huercal-Overa to the spotlight of one of TV’s biggest shows Triana’s angelic voice captured the hearts of the audience Her journey on La Voz Kids is just beginning and now she’ll continue on with Melendi by her side Caught weaving his way down the A-7 near Huércal-Overa, the lorry driver was found to be nearly four times over the legal limit it was reported today The incident occurred on the A-7 highway in Huercal-Overa where the driver was intercepted while driving in a drunken stupor the driver registered a blood alcohol level of 1.03 milligrams per litre as measured by the Traffic Department of Vera officials Authorities were alerted by a 112 call about the lorry’s erratic and dangerous manoeuvres as it travelled towards Murcia Concerned about the risk posed to other road users and the driver’s own safety the Civil Guard located the truck and escorted it to a secure location off the highway The driver, displaying obvious signs of intoxication, underwent mandatory breathalyser tests which gave positive results of 1.09 and 1.03 milligrams of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal upper limit in Spain for a commercial driver is 0.3 milligrams The driver is being investigated as the alleged perpetrator of a road safety infringement. The vehicle was immobilized, and the case was handed over to the appropriate courts in the Huércal-Overa judicial district The Civil Guard stated that the driver could face penalties including a prison sentence of 3 to 6 months or a community service sentence of between 31 and 90 days the driver may receive a driving ban of between one and four years The Cardiology service at La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa has introduced a cutting-edge ultrasound machine for outpatient consultations The new equipment enables Cardiology specialists to improve efficiency and workflow providing swift and clear diagnostic information to patients during their consultation Patients can now receive comprehensive care without needing to return for further testing on another day produces high-quality images of the heart’s anatomy and detecting conditions related to other diseases A SHORTAGE of staff at the Hospital de la Immaculada in Huercal Overa has now become critical Up to five skin and eye specialists have left to go to other medical centres Patients with skin problems have had to be taken by ambulance to the Hospital Torrecardenas in Almeria city Reports in Spanish media suggest almost half of doctors that should be in the Emergency Room are absent Two surgeons are also missing and the hospital has one ear The emergency department has between 14-16 doctors; it normally has 23-24 The emergency room is also short on places Its normal capacity exceeds 20 patients; it currently has room for around 12 Cathy Elelman is the local writer for the Costa de Almeria edition of the Euro Weekly News Cathy is very much part of the local community and is always well and truly up on all the latest news and events going on in this region of Spain Her top goals are to do the best job she can informing the local English-speaking community visitors to the area and the wider world about about the news in Almeria and to embrace very new challenge this fast-changing world brings her way Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.